There were different tanks for brook trout fingerlings and brood stock. We also saw salmon fingerlings and they have a fence around these because they will jump out even though they are only 3 inches long.
In late September, the fish hatchery catches about 60 salmon 30 female/30 male from the Margaree River, which is right on their property. They put them in tanks in the hatchery building and wait until they spawn. After they spawn, they put them back into the river. The Atlantic salmon does not die after they spawn like the Chum and Sockeye Salmon do on the west coast.
While we were at the hatchery we saw the Mi’kmaq people pulling nets through the river. They were trying to get salmon for a tribal ritual. They are allowed to use nets and spears to get the salmon.
Next we rode on the Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee) Trail. This means gathering. Scottish traditions and Gaelic folklore resonate along this trail. We took a side road and got a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and mountains. What a view!!
We stopped at Glenora Distillery in Glenville. This is Canada’s only distiller of single¬¬-malt whiskey. We took a tour and learned how they make the whiskey. The only ingredients they use are water, barley, and yeast. The water comes from the brook that runs through the grounds. The owners went to Scotland over 20 years ago and researched how to make the whiskey. The returned with all the distilling equipment and began to make it. The barley is brought from Saskatchewan and is brought in already to turn into sugar. They put it in a mash vat with water. It heats up and does its thing. Then they move it to 11 foot deep vats and add the yeast. It is kept for 48 hours and then they move it into distillers where they begin to remove the water. Removing water gives it the alcohol content. Glenora runs it through another distiller which more than doubles the alcohol content.
Glenora Distillery, then, puts the whiskey into used Kentucky Bourbon casks. It stays there for at least 10 years. 2% of the whiskey is lost each year during the aging process.
Glenora only makes whiskey during the winter months. They make 150 casks (55 gallons) a year. There was a bottle of whiskey that is 21 years old in the gift shop which costs $500.00 a bottle. I would not let Steve buy one…
This was a great tour and learning experience.
Then it was time for lunch so we went to Mabou, NS, and went to the Red Shoe Pub. This is owned by the Rankin Sisters who are famous Celtic singers. They were not there but the Ale and fish and chips were awesome. They seafood chowder is to die for!
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